Bournbrook
Reclaimed and regenerated during 2020 lockdown
Sports + Leisure
We are delighted to showcase Sports and Leisure, filmed during the build of Bournbrook DIY skatepark in Birmingham. Filmed and edited by @spreadeagle_sportsandleisure. Many thanks
Dream it.
Bournbrook wall has a history for graffiti, artists, creativity. It is behind an old bowling green, turned soldiers sanctuary after WWII, in a prime city location on the Selly Oak High Street. The site had been allowed into managed decline, neglected, overlooked, overgrown. It was becoming a disused, unsafe, unsightly and insecure plot on the city parks estate, called ‘muggers alley’ by local residents. It had no identity, no purpose.
Build it.
At first a small group, young people giving their time and using their energy to work on the repair of a wall, a fence, a path. Levelling the flat surface, digging out the weeds, scraping off the layers of dirt, daily sweeping and wheeling barrows. Then building a feature, one skatable feature, a grind box to play on
At first a small group, young people giving their time and using their energy to work on the repair of a wall, a fence, a path. Levelling the flat surface, digging out the weeds, scraping off the layers of dirt, daily sweeping and wheeling barrows. Then building a feature, one skatable feature, a grind box to play on.
Soon joined by more skaters, with more skills and experience, and the local community - businesses, families, young and old - adding to this parkland now reclaimed, now regenerating. Together creating a small city centre park, green space, safe space, creative space. Bournbrook-diy for community from skaters.
This community action in these hard times needs protection and support, Birmingham Skate Spaces is established.
The results.
Dream it.
Over 1500 volunteer hours in tidying, cleaning and removing; planting, building and creating a safe skate space.
Grow it.
Birmingham Skate Spaces will continue to manage, maintain and build Bournbrook skate space for the benefit of the community
Build it.
With support of Birmingham City Council, Selco builders merchants, and Concreate skatepark construction.
The future.
Organising more development, activity and events that will bring wellbeing, happiness and health through skateboarding.
Banter at Bournbook.
In this 3 part video compilation, you can gradually see the progression of Bournbrook DIY so far... This place has caused amazing things to happen and flourish in the skateboarding scene. This vid features a huge diverse list of talented skaters from all around Birmingham.
